302 rebuild

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 12, 2003 | 01:26 AM

Henry_the_Ford

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 66

Likes: 0

From: Florida Panhandle

302 rebuild

I Pulled my 302 apart and have found I will need to rebuild the whole shabang. New Pistons, rings, lifters push rods, valve job, re-bore cylinders, timing chain, camshaft, all new seals (naturally),bearings.

I noticed alot of people rebuild their motors and im wondering how an earth someone could justify a total rebuild instead of buying a long block with a warranty. The only thing I can think of is the joy of actually rebuilding the motor because its certainly not cost effective to replace all of the above. Could it be im just going to the wrong places for parts. I'm just trying to rebuild my motor to stock or as close as possible.

Hank

Jul 13, 2003 | 02:18 AM

Aekisu

Elder User

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 999

Likes: 1

From: Willamette Valley Oregon

302 rebuild

I can think of at least a couple of reasons.
<ul>
The pride of doing it yourself.
To keep it a numbers correct vehicle.
You can pick your machinist.
You can pick what machining work you want done.
You can pick what parts are installed.
</ul>
These are all reasons I rebuilt my 351w myself.

Jul 13, 2003 | 10:45 PM

1984_355w

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 523

Likes: 0

From: Illinois

302 rebuild

I feel the same way. When I do it I use only the finest bearings and seals, forged pistons and because i do it i know it's done right

.

And it's fun and educational!!!!

P.S.

I got all my parts for the 400 horse 358w I'm building from summit and jegs and am spending less than $3K for it.

Last edited by 1984_355w; Jul 13, 2003 at 10:47 PM.

Jul 15, 2003 | 08:34 PM

Henry_the_Ford

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 66

Likes: 0

From: Florida Panhandle

302 rebuild

I can understand the pride and quality issues. I can also understand the keeping everything original issue. But, I can get a long block from Carquest for just under $1200 with 3year warranty unlimited miles here local. I cant get parts and machining for less, plus if something goes wrong no warranty. I just cant justify paying nearly the same or more to do it myself.

Thanx for your opinions

Hank

Jul 15, 2003 | 09:25 PM

speedkingf100

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 117

Likes: 0

From: Rimbey Canada

302 rebuild

also if you have a motor on warrenty you cannot modify it correct? that alone would make me want to rebuild my own motor.
Steve

Jul 15, 2003 | 09:30 PM

GR8Diesel

Senior User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 439

Likes: 0

From: Burnsville, MN

302 rebuild

I think we are comparing apples and oranges here.
If you are looking for a mass produced economic solution than a reman long-block is the answer.
If on the other hand you are looking for a solution created by a craftsman or as a statement of pride you should look elsewhere.

Jul 15, 2003 | 10:10 PM

Henry_the_Ford

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 66

Likes: 0

From: Florida Panhandle

302 rebuild

Dont get me wrong I would love to rebuild the motor. I just dont have the money to do it. There certainly would be a sense of pride in it. On the other hand I plan on using this truck as a daily driver. That means I need to get him running as soon as possible and as cost efficient as possible after pricing parts It was right at the same amount as a reman longblock. As far as mods well it doenst come with an intake or carb or exhaust manifolds so to that minimal extent I can do what ever i want and thats all I would really have changed anyhow. I am by no means an engine guru I would have put as close to stock cams and lifters and so on in the motor any how. pistons were gonna be cast. Rods werent gonna be anything fancy.

But I fully understand the pride issue I was really hopin to rebuild the engine and be able to tell people I had. I had big plans of a sweet looking clean repainted motor and engine compartment as close to original as possible.